Head of Academic Music

Music is a very important part of life at Malvern College. The College aims to provide musical opportunities for all its pupils, from high-level performers preparing for a career in music to enthusiasts who want to enjoy some regular, recreational music-making. The Music School is housed in a large Victorian building and includes three large rehearsal/class rooms, soundproof percussion room/recording space, library and 22 large practice/teaching rooms, four instrument stores and a kitchen/staff room. There are plans for an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment to commence in July 2022. 

The College has also recently become an All-Steinway School, with the College now owning 28 new pianos from Steinway and Sons. We now are able to boast a Model D concert grand piano in Big School (in the main school building) and a Model C grand piano in St Edmund's Hall (a 150-seat recital hall adjunct to the Music School). In replacing all but 2 of the instruments, the College now has a total of 8 grand pianos (on which every piano pupil will be taught) and 22 uprights, including at least one new upright in every boarding house.

There are a variety of Co-curricular activities including the Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, Rock Band and smaller ensembles. Major concerts take place in Big School where many of these ensembles perform.

There is a three-manual Willis organ in the College Chapel. The Chapel Choir is for pupils of all ages and sings at the Saturday services each week, as well as leading the worship at other special services on Remembrance Sunday and at Carol services. Advent Carols are sung in Malvern Priory where the annual Service of Commemoration is also held.

The Department makes a significant investment in encouraging and nurturing talented pupils through an extensive Gifted and Talented scheme supporting the elite musicians. This opens up a wealth of opportunities that benefit the individual musician enormously. The diversification, expertise and experience of the 3 full time members of staff and the visiting music teachers are co-ordinated to the benefit of each pupil.

THE APPOINTMENT

A Head of Academic Music is required for September 2021 or January 2022 to teach the subject throughout the school up to Oxbridge and Conservatoire entrance standard and to contribute outside the department to the busy life of a boarding school. Ideally, the successful applicant will also be a first-rate accompanist, able to accompany pupils of all levels of ability and talent, up to and including Music Conservatoire and Oxbridge entrance. The post falls vacant on the appointment of the current post-holder as the Head of Lower School Music at Chetham’s School of Music.

The successful candidate should have the intellectual range and cultural depth to be able to play a major role in both developing our academic courses as well as our contribution to the Co-curriculum. Applications from candidates with particular expertise in teaching composition and/or with interests in a diverse range of musical styles would be particularly welcome but these are not pre-requisites. Above all, enthusiasm for the subject and the ability both to engage and challenge able pupils is essential.

Applications should be submitted by no later than 12 noon on Monday 3rd May 2021.  Please note that early applications are advised as the College reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the closing date.

You will be required to provide proof of your identity, right to work in the UK and qualifications during the selection process.

Malvern College exists to provide a quality all round education for pupils aged 13 – 18 and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Candidates must be prepared to undergo child protection screening and an Enhanced DBS check.